The Rutan Family – Morgan Ranches, South Mountain, Idaho

David and Ann Rutan live a positive life, with an outlook to make every day a good one. It’s that kind of philosophy that earned them the 2020 Certified Angus Beef ® Commercial Commitment to Excellence award, recognized virtually at the brand’s annual conference.

“You have to have a dream and a passion. You have to believe you’re put here for a reason,” David says. “I think I was put here to raise food for people.” 

Today, David, Ann and two of their sons manage the ranch. Each one brings their own strengths to keep it running smoothly. It takes a vested interest to trust the hands doing the work and making decisions. Memories and plans are shared at the dining table, in a space also known as their board room, all serving to show the blended commitments to managing a successful family business.

Sure, the family wants to make a living. But at the end of each day it’s really about striving for excellence and leaving the world better than yesterday. That’s what they’re doing.